A FIFTH application for a pharmacy in Whitlawburn will go in front of a health board committee in two weeks time.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have confirmed that the latest case for a chemist on Western Road will be heard by a Pharmacy Practices Committee (PPC) on Monday, January 24.

The application is from local pharmacists, David Dryden and Michael Balmer, who run Kyle Square Pharmacy in Spittal.

The pair had a similar bid thrown out on April last year because the panel felt there was suitable provision in surrounding neighbourhoods, while their request for an appeal was also rejected. They submitted another application in July.

The site, which used to be a bookmakers, had been subject to three previous failed applications before the pair took an interest.

A spokeswoman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “The application for a pharmacy contract on Western Road, Cambuslang will be heard by the Pharmacy Practices Committee on January 24, 2012.

“The decision of the committee will be made available to the applicants and interested parties within 15 working days. If the applicant or interested parties are dissatisfied with the decision they have 21 days to appeal.”

In a statement, Mr Dryden and Mr Balmer said: “We are delighted that the health board have convened this hearing, but we are unable to make comment at this stage.

“However, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who submitted their views during the period of public consultation.

“The insight of the people living and or working in Whitlawburn is extremely important, and their submissions will be given consideration by the panel in their deliberations.”

Both James Kelly MSP and Paul Farrell, manager of the West-Whitlawburn Housing Co-op, said that support for a pharmacy in Whitlawburn had actually increased since the last application.

Mr Kelly said: “Local people see clear benefits in having a pharmacy situated within the Whitlawburn Community. It would be of great benefit, especially to pensioners, and I will be right the application and would urge local people to do likewise.”

Mr Farrell said: “It is really quite incredible in this day and age that ill, vulnerable and elderly people have to walk considerable distances for basic pharmacy services.

“Hopefully logic and compassion will prevail at the hearing. We look forward to a positive outcome.”

Councillors in the Cambuslang West ward have also backed the plan. David Baillie and Clare McColl were critical of the PPC process, which allows rival chemists from other communities a chance to speak against applications.

Councillor Baillie said: “Whitlawburn is an area that desperately needs such a facility. Hopefully the vested interests of others won’t affect it.”

Councillor McColl added: “The area itself is very isolated and I’m sorry that other people in other areas can dictate which communities can get a pharmacy and which ones cannot.”